"Father bless". when we say this, the priest blesses us, and we kiss his hand. this is the blessing I mean.

today I saw a priest I liek very much from summer camp. as we finnished talking, I asked for a blessing, and he gave it. I have one question: what's the point, or rather, the meaning behind it? is it like the priesst giving HIS personal blessing, or is God blessing us through the priest?

Asking the Blessing of the Priest and kissing his hand is not only a sign of respect for him who Offers the Holy Oblation, but also a blessing from the Divine Trinity. It is a protection against the demons and the passions and the Fatherly benediction imparted to us to remind the demons that we are the Orthodox, called out after His Name, His Blood Purchased Bride--The One, Holy, Catholic, Apostolic and Church. Get this blessing approaching the Priest and when departing from the Priest. It is a spiritual armor against our invisible foe and a Witness to those seeing your devotion of your loyalty and faithfulness to the "Faith Once Delivered to the Saints", The Holy Orthodox Church of Christ.

Am I (still a Protestant seeker to Orthodoxy) able go up to my priest at the church I visit for a blessing? Last night after Bible study many of those who were in attendance went up to him for a blessing but I wasn't sure if that was okay for me to do.

Also, I'm not 100% sure as to what to do. It looked like (from observing others - it's a GOC) that they extended there hands out, cupped, and Father may have made the sign of the cross, then they kissed his hand?

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"Blind of spiritual eyes, I come to You, O Christ, as did the man blind from his birth, and I cry to You in penitence: Have mercy on me O You who illumine with exceeding brightness those who are in darkness." (The Office of Holy Unction)

Am I (still a Protestant seeker to Orthodoxy) able go up to my priest at the church I visit for a blessing? Last night after Bible study many of those who were in attendance went up to him for a blessing but I wasn't sure if that was okay for me to do.

Also, I'm not 100% sure as to what to do. It looked like (from observing others - it's a GOC) that they extended there hands out, cupped, and Father may have made the sign of the cross, then they kissed his hand?

Yes, there is nothing wrong with that, although don't feel obligated to do so

Am I (still a Protestant seeker to Orthodoxy) able go up to my priest at the church I visit for a blessing? Last night after Bible study many of those who were in attendance went up to him for a blessing but I wasn't sure if that was okay for me to do.

Also, I'm not 100% sure as to what to do. It looked like (from observing others - it's a GOC) that they extended there hands out, cupped, and Father may have made the sign of the cross, then they kissed his hand?

Yes, there is nothing wrong with that, although don't feel obligated to do so

Great, 'cause it's something I've been wanting to do - out of respect for his position. Father has been very understanding of what I am currently going through and helpful through this journey of mine to the Church.

Logged

"Blind of spiritual eyes, I come to You, O Christ, as did the man blind from his birth, and I cry to You in penitence: Have mercy on me O You who illumine with exceeding brightness those who are in darkness." (The Office of Holy Unction)

Also, I'm not 100% sure as to what to do. It looked like (from observing others - it's a GOC) that they extended there hands out, cupped, and Father may have made the sign of the cross, then they kissed his hand?

Thank you littlepilgrim for asking that question. I was wondering the same thing. I try to watch what others are doing but then I often wonder if it's ok for me to do also since I am only at this point an inquirer.

« Last Edit: October 16, 2014, 02:07:32 PM by NanaDeborah »

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Thy Bridal Chamber, I see adorned, O my Savior, and have no wedding garment that I may enter. Enlighten the vesture of my soul, O Giver of Light, and save me.